Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University What might be the impacts of climate change on tourism in the Great Lakes region? Dr. Donald F. Holecek Lori A. Martin Chang Huh Charles Shih Seung-Hyun Kim Tourism Resource Center Michigan State University November 8, 2002

Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University Note: In 1998, the value for all three of the Sales & Use Tax Collection points were projected [hence 1998(p)], due to missing data. Highway traffic counts and gasoline prices were based on actual data. Sources: Michigan Department of Transportation, AAA Michigan, Michigan Department of Treasury

Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University Primary Mode of Transportation on Michigan Pleasure Trips Source: Michigan Travel Market Survey ( ). Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University.

Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University Origins of Pleasure Trips to Michigan From Within the Study Region Source: Michigan Travel Market Survey ( ). Tourism Resource Center. Michigan State University.

Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University Distribution of Michigan Pleasure Travel by Region Source: Michigan Travel Market Survey ( ). Tourism Resource Center. Michigan State University.

Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University Destination of Michigan Residents’ Pleasure Trips Source: Michigan Travel Market Survey ( ). Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University.

Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University Distribution of Michigan Trips from Prime Market Area by Purpose Source: Michigan Travel Market Survey ( ). Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University.

Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University Distribution of Michigan Pleasure Trips by Season Summer - June-August Fall - September-November Winter - December-February Spring - March-May Source: Michigan Travel Market Survey ( ). Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University.

Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University Length of Trip Planning Horizons for Michigan Pleasure Travelers Source: Michigan Travel Market Survey ( ). Tourism Resource Center. Michigan State University. Planning horizons are short and becoming shorter.

Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University Percentage of Michigan Residents’ Trips to Out-of-state Destinations by Month Source: Michigan Travel Market Survey ( ). Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University.

Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University Selected Characteristics of Michigan Pleasure Trips by Season Source: Michigan Travel Market Survey ( ). Tourism Resource Center. Michigan State University. VariableSpringSummerFallWinter Mean Nights Away From Home Mean Trip Expenditures $426$526$429$519 Mean Trip Expenditures/Night $118$125$127$186 % Who Used Hotel/Motel/Lodge 47%40%45%46%

Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University Sources: Michigan Department of Transportation & Midwestern Climate Center

Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University Domestic Travel To, From and In Michigan (Person-trips) Michigan Non-Michigan U.S. Residents Michigan Residents Non-Michigan U.S. Destinations million million17.92 million Michigan held a domestic travel trade deficit of 5.39 million person-trips in Source: American Travel Survey. U.S. Census Bureau.

Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University In 1995, Michigan resident travelers to other U.S. destinations spent over $1.5 billion more than U.S. visitors from other states spent in Michigan. Had this $1.5 billion been captured by Michigan’s tourism industry, it would have created about 30,000 jobs for Michigan residents.

Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University Why the Deficit? Climate - Long winters/mud season Great Lakes - Barriers to east-west travel across Michigan Geographic Location - To the north of North American population centers Relatively Wealthy Population - Residents can afford to travel -etc.-

Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University Impacts of Warmer Climate on Tourism Improved road conditions – more highway travel Longer warm season – more golf, angling, trail use, beach visits, boating Extended second home season Shorter snow season in northern Michigan – shift in winter sports to western. U.P. & out- of-state Longer “brown/mud” season – less appealing to driving for pleasure

Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University Climate Change Coping Strategies 1)Counter inconsistent weather patterns with more accurate and timely conditions reports. 2)Adjust timing of promotional message to fit markets’ reduced trip planning horizons and existing weather conditions. 3)Expand non-weather dependent offerings – spa, exercise equipment.

Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University Climate Change Coping Strategies 4)Create packages in partnership with other “entertainment” assets in your areas. (Staff should be well versed in what your area has to offer and should be forthcoming in providing advice to your guests.) 5)Design facilities and operating systems to be flexible and accommodate changes in weather conditions. 6)Explore what you might do to improve on Mother Nature.

Tourism Resource Center, Michigan State University Contact Information Dr. Donald F. Holecek Tourism Resource Center 172 Natural Resources Building Michigan State University East Lansing, MI Phone: Fax: